Janece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop. "},{"name":"Laura Kostelny","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/author/222503/laura-kostelny/","@type":"Person"}],"@context":"http://schema.org","about":{"@type":"ItemList","numberOfItems":34,"itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Learn the Real Meaning of Labor Day","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/life/g28648945/things-to-do-on-labor-day-near-me/#slide-1","description":"Beyond the end of summer, Labor Day is a national celebration of American workers. The labor movement of the late 19th century Industrial Revolution eventually led to the adoption of the major holiday. 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Find all of the delectable details at our 32 Labor Day Desserts for Your Picnic Menu!RELATED: 50 Best No-Bake Summer Desserts That Are as Delicious as They Are Easy","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/countryliving/assets/16/24/1466257366-clx0706cover01.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Make a DIY Apple Wreath","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/life/g28648945/things-to-do-on-labor-day-near-me/#slide-3","description":"It's almost peak apple picking season! Get ready for autumn by making a simple DIY Apple Wreath with fresh apples, boxwood sprigs, and berries! ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/clx08012almanacopener-002-669a830c22de3.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Visit a National Park","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/life/g28648945/things-to-do-on-labor-day-near-me/#slide-4","description":"If you're close to a one of America's beautiful national parks, take a drive for a visit. 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Check out Country Living's collection free and easy printable cross stitch patterns to find a pretty pattern to tackle over the long weekend like this America template.RELATED: A Beginner's Guide to Cross Stitch","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/countryliving/assets/16/24/1466012099-clx070116wellopener-01b.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":6,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Volunteer in Your Community","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/life/g28648945/things-to-do-on-labor-day-near-me/#slide-6","description":"Make time to volunteer with a nonprofit organization in your community. Check the service schedules of your organizations or make a donation to your favorite charity. Check out Feeding America for information related to local food pantry program needs and Habitat for Humanity to find building projects in your area.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/multiracial-group-of-young-men-and-young-women-royalty-free-image-1722966255.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":7,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Plan a Weekend Trip to the Beach","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/life/g28648945/things-to-do-on-labor-day-near-me/#slide-7","description":"Book a quick getaway at a nearby beach, load the car up, and hit the road. Soak up the sunshine and rolling waves with your family or friends before the arrival of fall. Get inspiration for your very own beach getaway from our guides to the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Destin, Florida, and Palm Beach, Florida. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/memories-are-made-with-our-footprints-in-the-sand-royalty-free-image-1722968204.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":8,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Play Lawn Games","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/life/g28648945/things-to-do-on-labor-day-near-me/#slide-8","description":"Spend Labor Day the way our forefathers would have wanted—playing lawn games like tossing bean bags into tiny holes via a homemade cornhole board and flying kites on a breezy afternoon! 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Find the instructions below.To keep it steady, wrap a 3-inch embroidery hoop with jute ribbon, and center the helmet upside-down in it.Fill a glass with water, and place in the helmet.Add flowers to vase (here, butterfly ranunculus, chamomile, and black-eyed Susans) to finish the arrangement.RELATED: 66 Beautiful Fall Centerpieces to Liven Up Your Dining Table","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fall-crafts-helmet-vase-64b17fab08e69.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":10,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Plan an End of Summer Cookout ","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/life/g28648945/things-to-do-on-labor-day-near-me/#slide-10","description":"Did you know that outdoor gadgets and appliances are also usually on sale around Labor Day? Now you have the perfect excuse to buy a classic new Weber charcoal grill or Solo Stove Bonfire Pit. You need it for the holiday barbecue. 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There are college games all weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday), so there is something for everyone to watch. Pull out your finest game day attire, pull out your fave tailgating snacks, make a tray of these cute Football Whoopie Pies With Cinnamon Cream, and host your friends for a watch party. RELATED: 50 Best Tailgate Food Ideas to Make Game Day a Success","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/football-whoopie-pies-1578935744.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":13,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Set Up the Sprinkler","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/life/g28648945/things-to-do-on-labor-day-near-me/#slide-13","description":"Little kids love running through a sprinkler for a good reason. This Labor Day, channel your inner child and join them for a run through or two and just try to keep that delighted smile off your face. 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","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/two-women-walking-through-whistler-village-with-royalty-free-image-1723062695.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":17,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Go on a Bike Ride ","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/life/g28648945/things-to-do-on-labor-day-near-me/#slide-17","description":"If you've been meaning to hit the trails on two wheels but haven't yet this summer, now's the time to go on a bike ride. If you don't have wheels for the whole family, research local bike companies who often offer rentals as well as maps and suggested routes to explore. ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/things-to-do-on-labor-day-1258008989.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":18,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Take a Road Trip","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/life/g28648945/things-to-do-on-labor-day-near-me/#slide-18","description":"The three-day weekend is the perfect time to drive somewhere new. 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You can demonstrate the best waving technique, a catch-and-release strategy on candy (never dive for a Tootsie Roll), and ideal positioning for easily getting out of the area once the parade is over.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/labor-day-parade-1565366692.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":27,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Jump Off the High Dive","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/life/g28648945/things-to-do-on-labor-day-near-me/#slide-27","description":"Depending on where you live, the community pool is probably going to close some time shortly after Labor Day, so suit up and hit the high dive because it'll be a while before you can show off that world-famous cannonball again.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/labor-day-diving-board-1565367924.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":28,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Throw a Hot Dog Cookout","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/life/g28648945/things-to-do-on-labor-day-near-me/#slide-28","description":"You don't get more American than hot dogs, friends. 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Check out these easy campfire recipes to make your menu!RELATED: This Affordable Walmart Bell Tent Will Fulfill Your Wes Anderson Fantasies","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/family-camping-in-backyard-royalty-free-image-1723063681.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":31,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Host an Ice-Cream Social","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/life/g28648945/things-to-do-on-labor-day-near-me/#slide-31","description":"Kids and adults alike will line up to make soda and scoop pairings like cola and cherry ice cream, root beer and vanilla ice cream, ginger beer with lemon sorbet, or really any combo you can imagine!RELATED: The 12 Best Ice Cream Flavors, as Tested and Affirmed by Editors","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/labor-day-ice-cream-floats-1565365283.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":32,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Fire Up Some Labor Day S'Mores","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/life/g28648945/things-to-do-on-labor-day-near-me/#slide-32","description":"Don't be afraid to put your own spin on the traditional s'more! 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All good things must come to an end! Summer is in its last stretch and Labor Day will be here before you know it. The national holiday means the official start of fall is just around the corner and also marks the last extended weekend of the season. If you’re searching for things to do on Labor Day weekend to make the most of the final days of summer, browse our list of ideas for a fun-filled celebration.
Whether near or far, there are plenty of engaging Labor Day activities to fill the holiday! If you’re in the mood to host a gathering, we have your cooking needs covered with grilling ideas, scrumptious summer desserts, and barbecue ideas. Don’t forget to include time for play in your big plans with outdoor games for children and big kids too!
If you’ve had a long, hot summer, it might sound good to curl up with a new book or a movie marathon in the comfort of the air conditioning. No judgment here! Or maybe taking a dip in the pool is more your style? Check out our festive pool party ideas and much more. If you’d prefer to skip the staycation and love being on-the-go, find a brand-new hiking trail, hit the road to discover a new small town, or visit a national park you’ve never seen before. The possibilities are limitless—which is why we’ve done all the, well, labor and come up with a ton of family-friendly ideas for a day well spent.
Beyond the end of summer, Labor Day is a national celebration of American workers. The labor movement of the late 19th century Industrial Revolution eventually led to the adoption of the major holiday.
It's almost peak apple picking season! Get ready for autumn by making a simple DIY Apple Wreath with fresh apples, boxwood sprigs, and berries!
4
Visit a National Park
tiffanynguyen//Getty Images
If you're close to a one of America's beautiful national parks, take a drive for a visit. Enjoy the extra time with outdoor pursuits like hiking, fishing, or even camping. Search National Park Service database to find information about the operating hours and events at all of the nation's parks.
Add a fun project to your list of must-do activities during Labor Day break! Check out Country Living's collection free and easy printable cross stitch patterns to find a pretty pattern to tackle over the long weekend like this America template.
Make time to volunteer with a nonprofit organization in your community. Check the service schedules of your organizations or make a donation to your favorite charity. Check out Feeding America for information related to local food pantry program needs and Habitat for Humanity to find building projects in your area.
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7
Plan a Weekend Trip to the Beach
Anna Frank//Getty Images
Book a quick getaway at a nearby beach, load the car up, and hit the road. Soak up the sunshine and rolling waves with your family or friends before the arrival of fall. Get inspiration for your very own beach getaway from our guides to the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Destin, Florida, and Palm Beach, Florida.
If it's going to be all football, all the time at your house for the next few months, embrace the season with a beautiful centerpiece made from a vintage football helmet. Find the instructions below.
To keep it steady, wrap a 3-inch embroidery hoop with jute ribbon, and center the helmet upside-down in it.
Did you know that outdoor gadgets and appliances are also usually on sale around Labor Day? Now you have the perfect excuse to buy a classic new Weber charcoal grill or Solo Stove Bonfire Pit. You need it for the holiday barbecue.
Football season has finally arrived! There are college games all weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday), so there is something for everyone to watch. Pull out your finest game day attire, pull out your fave tailgating snacks, make a tray of these cute Football Whoopie Pies With Cinnamon Cream, and host your friends for a watch party.
Little kids love running through a sprinkler for a good reason. This Labor Day, channel your inner child and join them for a run through or two and just try to keep that delighted smile off your face. Head to your local garden center or visit an online retailer to pick a rotating sprinkler.
Pull out the ice cream maker for a fun and tasty hand-on activity. Show your little ones the concept of hard work and delicious rewards with a homemade ice cream session during Labor Day weekend.
Are you outdoorsy but maybe not that outdoorsy? Glamping is the perfect solution! Many glamping tents have air-conditioning and even indoor plumbing, so you're getting closer to nature without giving up all the comforts.
Labor Day sales are a great time to stock up on back-to-school essentials, kids' clothing, and cold-weather wardrobe staples for fall.
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17
Go on a Bike Ride
Noel Hendrickson//Getty Images
If you've been meaning to hit the trails on two wheels but haven't yet this summer, now's the time to go on a bike ride. If you don't have wheels for the whole family, research local bike companies who often offer rentals as well as maps and suggested routes to explore.
18
Take a Road Trip
swissmediavision//Getty Images
The three-day weekend is the perfect time to drive somewhere new. Get kids involved by having them help plan out the route on a map, and deciding which sights to see while you're there. If you need ideas, check out this list of road trip stops in every state. RELATED: What Type of Road Trip Is Right For You?
Wait until the cool of the late afternoon when the lighting is just right and set up an outdoor movie theater. Add cozy seating on your lawn with floor cushions and blankets. If you want to go all out pack a basket with popcorn and milk duds and string up light for extra ambience. RELATED: Everything You Need for the Cutest Outdoor Movie Night
Janece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.